Andrew Griffith was delighted to be a special guest at the presentation of the Kings Award for Voluntary Service to Amberley Museum’s volunteers on Friday afternoon (3rd May).
With more than 350 volunteers keeping the much-loved Amberley Museum running, the afternoon was a busy occasion. The volunteers gathered in The Limeburner’s Café at the museum to receive the Award from the Lord-Lieutenant of West Sussex, Lady Emma Barnard.
Prior to the presentation, Andrew Griffith joined Lady Emma and a number of special guests for a tour of the outdoor Museum and ride on a vintage open-top bus. They spoke to the volunteers who run and demonstrate the exhibits which are dedicated to preserving the industrial heritage of the south east. The museum has more than 40 exhibits set over 36 acres, set in the former Amberley chalk pits next to the railway station.
The Kings Award for Voluntary Services is the highest honour for voluntary organisations.
Deputy Lieutenant Neil Hart read out the Warrant of Award on behalf of the King.
Lady Emma said that the Kings Award was such an achievement, not least because it is so rigorously assessed. She handed over the crystal award to Richard Vernon, Chairman of Amberley Museum, who accepted it on behalf of the volunteers.
Richard Vernon said: “I am thrilled that the dedication, commitment, and contribution of the museum’s volunteers has been recognised through the prestigious King’s Award for Voluntary Service. I am always struck by the variety of skills and knowledge our volunteers bring to the museum, which are shared with other volunteers and to the wider visiting public.”
Andrew Griffith, who has previously supported the Museum in securing Government funding during the Covid closures and personally wrote a letter of support for the Kings Award nomination, said: “I am so pleased to know that the museum’s volunteers have been recognised with the highest honour. They are one, if not the, largest volunteer group in West Sussex. They dedicate their time and knowledge to preserving and displaying the South Downs heritage and history for all of us to enjoy.”
